Austin Psych Fest 2014 Survival Guide

So, it's the day before Austin Psych Fest and you're still not ready. Especially if you plan to make a weekend of it (maybe camp out?), then man, it's high time you start prepping. There's plenty of I's to dot and T's to cross, and maybe a few hard-to-come-by party favors to locate and stash accordingly. But don't worry: DC9 at Night has got you covered. Here's our comprehensive, foolproof guide to beating the heat and staying awesome in Austin this weekend.

1. First -- and this is also numero uno on the No-Brainer List -- bring lots of water. Like, a whole lot. Like so, so much that people give you stink-eye looks as you carry pallet after pallet of cheapo bottled water through the gates. For reference, something like this:

Or you could be responsible and bring a Nalgene and save some trees. But that's so less, I don't know, wasteful. Which is cooler I think.

2. Lodging is sort of important.
If you want a camping pass they're $75. If you want a hotel, you need a time machine. Seriously, rooms are probably all long gone by now, and if not, you don't want to know how much they cost. More info on this situation can be found here.

3. Bring snacks.
There's no cooking whatsoever at Psych Fest, and I'm guessing ice won't last long in chests if you plan to stay the weekend (they say they're selling ice but I'm confident it will sell out quickly). So, bring lots of snacks that don't require cooking or cooling, and are melt-proof. Think: beef jerky, nuts, trail mix, oatmeal bars, etc. The other option, if you have a camping pass, is to buy food at the 24-hour general store while supplies last. Oh, and food trucks! There will be food trucks. But don't forget, music fests are like airports: money is only worth about half its normal value inside. Just make sure to save enough money to get back home.

4. Pack music for both car rides.
Austin is a bit of a haul (rougly four hours) so make sure to bring plenty of tunes for the ride down and back. For the down up, might I suggest albums from any of the acts on this list; personally, I'd go with Loop's Heaven's End, The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle and Acid Mothers Temple's New Geocentric World of Acid Mothers Temple. The ride back is whole other issue altogether. After a weekend of sun-baking, light-sleeping, chemical-ingesting and loud music, you'll need something a bit more conducive to healing. Pick accordingly.

5. Bring stuff to stay clean, please.
Pack lots of deodorant. (See previous picture of bottled waters.) Baby wipes are also a must. There will be showers and full restrooms on site for campers, which means shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, tampons, Kleenex, and whatever else helps keep you approachable the rest of the time. Basically bring everything that makes you smell nice and keeps you from leaking all over the place.